This module takes a practice-based approach based on an organisation you are familiar with. It gives you the fundamental knowledge and understanding of the data management principles, practices and technologies required to develop policies, procedures and systems that control, protect, deliver and enhance the value of the organisation’s data asset.
You will also have an opportunity to investigate emerging trends in data management and acquire the personal development skills you need to keep abreast of important developments in a rapidly expanding field. In addition, researching information about data management from various sources will give you critical evaluation skills and the ability to write about different approaches to this subject.
The module also covers the following Knowledge Areas (DMBOK2), which describe the scope and context of data management activities:
In addition to the above Knowledge Areas, the module also covers the following topics:
In the module assessment, you will have an opportunity to engage with an organisational problem of your choice, developing new or reviewing existing data management policies, procedures, and systems for the organisation. You will also have an opportunity to carry out some independent research by selecting and critically evaluating information resources to assess the impact of recent developments in computing on data management.
This module is presented online. All the teaching and assessment materials will be accessible online via a standard web browser, except the set book, which you’ll have to download your copy from the publisher’s website. As all the teaching and assessment materials will also be available as downloads via the module website, you can study the module offline.
By studying this module, you will work towards data management policies, procedures, and systems for an organisation with which you are familiar. As such, you will interact with other people in that organisation, and this may help to raise your professional profile.
Studying this module will also help you prepare to take the DAMA Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) and/or the BCS Certificate in Data Management Essentials examinations and the OU qualification being sought.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
You’ll also receive the set book, The DAMA-DMBOK Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd ed), as a PDF file.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
M816 is an option module in our:
Sometimes you cannot count a module towards a qualification if you have already counted another module with similar content. To verify any excluded combinations with this module, check with an adviser before registering.
Data management (M816) starts once a year – in November.
It will next start in November 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in November 2030.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
You are expected to hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in computing or a related discipline, or have at least three years of relevant industry experience.
The study material is online, so you’ll spend considerable time using a computer and the internet.
Some components might not be fully accessible using a screen reader.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 01 Nov 2026 | 30 Apr 2027 | 08 Oct 2026 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March. |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
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As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
